Multi-modal sensing for power tool user interface

ABSTRACT

A method may include receiving data from one or more sensing elements associated with a power tool. The method may also include measuring the detected data. The method may further include computing one or more data parameters based on the measuring. The method may include determining whether to permit operation of the power tool based on the data parameters. The method may further include permitting operation of the power tool when the data parameters satisfy an operation condition. The method may also include altering operation of the power tool when the data parameters does not satisfy the operation condition by performing at least one of: generating an alarm, or preventing operation of the power tool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/474,967, filed on Jun. 28, 2019, which is a nationalization ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/012265, filed Jan. 3,2018, which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/442,349, filed Jan. 4, 2017, the disclosures of eachof which are incorporated herein by this reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are related to multi-modal sensing forpower tool user interface.

BACKGROUND

The internet of things (IoT) typically includes a network of physicaldevices, vehicles, buildings and other items—embedded with electronics,software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable theseobjects to collect and exchange data, often without user input. IoTdevices are sometimes referred to as smart devices.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one example technology area where at least one embodimentdescribed herein may be practiced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system diagram of a multi-modal sensorfusion platform for a power tool (“system”);

FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement of an example multi-function powertool;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example computational processing flow formulti-modal data acquisition, signal processing and/or control; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in theexample form of a computing device within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodsdiscussed herein, may be executed, all arranged in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Conventional electric power tool user interfaces may includeelectromechanical and/or purely mechanical switches that are used todetermine functional parameters. In an electric power drill, forexample, functional parameters may include drilling speed and drillingdirection. Some limitations of conventional electromechanical andmechanical switches may include but are not limited to (a) largephysical size, volume and weight, (b) limited customization ofactivation force for different user profiles, and (c) limited fail-safefeatures in the event of improper or unintended usage. Further,conventional power tools may include electromechanical and mechanicalswitches that may be bulky and do not allow customization of activationforce for different user profiles. Moreover, conventional power toolsmay include pressure sensing switches that may not provide tactile orhaptic feedback. And, conventional power tools may lack real-timemonitoring of intended user input, proper usage and physical forcesensing feedback.

Aspects of the present disclosure address these and other shortcomingsby providing a design and implementation of a scalable multi-modalsensing architecture for a power tool interface. The power toolinterface may include customization of activation force for differentuser profiles. Moreover, the power tool interface may include one ormore pressure sensing switches that may provide tactile or hapticfeedback. And, the power tool interface may include real-time monitoringof intended user input, proper usage and physical force sensingfeedback.

Another feature of the system is the ability to provide real-timenetwork data transmission in the event of a power tool drop, low batterylevel, or other forms of incorrect usage or state of the power drill.This is particularly useful for work sites that can leverage a network(e.g., an Internet of Things “IoT” network) for enhancing safety andproductivity.

A method may include receiving data from one or more sensing elementsassociated with a power tool. The method may also include measuring thedetected data. The method may further include computing one or more dataparameters based on the measuring. The method may include determiningwhether to permit operation of the power tool based on the dataparameters. The method may further include permitting operation of thepower tool when the data parameters satisfy an operation condition. Themethod may also include altering operation of the power tool when thedata parameters does not satisfy the operation condition by performingat least one of: generating an alarm, or preventing operation of thepower tool.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are further described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system diagram of a multi-modal sensorfusion platform for a power tool (“system”) 100. The system 100 mayinclude various sensors, haptic devices, controllers, data acquisitiondevices, signal processing devices, display devices, interfaces, powermanagement devices, etc. The system 100 may include a scalablemulti-modal sensing architecture that may provide real-time monitoringof intended user input, proper usage and physical force sensing feedbackto determine safe functional operation. In the event of improper usage,functional operation may be stopped and one or more alarms may begenerated, such as in the form of visual indicator and real-time networkdata where applicable.

The system 100 may include one or more strain sensing elements 105and/or one or more force sensing elements 105. The one or more strainsensing elements 105 may include two-dimensional or three-dimensionalstrain sensing elements. The one or more force sensing elements mayinclude one or more force/pressure sensors.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 may include or may include apower tool and/or an activation switch or button of a power tool (asillustrated in FIG. 2 ), which may include one or more force sensingelements 105. The one or more force sensing elements 105 may beconfigured to detect and/or measure force and/or pressure distributionacross some or all of a surface of the activation switch. The activationswitch may include one or more strain sensing elements 105. The one ormore strain sensing elements 105 may be configured to detect and/ormeasure bending and/or flexing of the activation switch.

The system 100 may include one or more environmental sensing elements110. The one or more environmental sensing elements 110 may beconfigured to detect and/or measure environmental parameters includingtemperature and humidity. At least some of the environmental parametersmay contribute to noise in the system. The environmental parameters maybe accounted for and/or mathematically reduced, minimized or ignored toreduce the noise in the system. The integration of more than one type ofsensing elements in combination with signal processing algorithms mayprovide a robust force and pressure mapping and motion measurementsolution.

The system 100 may also include and one or more motion measurementsensing elements 115, such as inertial measurement devices, which may beused to extract physiological monitoring parameters. The one or moremotion sensing elements may be configured to detect and/or measuremovement, changes in movement, motion, inertia, etc. Example motionsensing elements may include an accelerometer, gyroscope, etc. Analysisof the physiological monitoring parameters can be used in a broad rangeof applications including control of the power tool. Results of dataanalytics may be shown in the form of quantitative data and charts on aportable device or a remote device.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 may include a physicalstack-up topology of a power tool or an activation switch that mayinclude an interposer, one or more force sensing elements 105, one ormore strain sensing elements 105, one or more environmental sensingelements 110, and one or more motion sensing elements 115. Theinterposer may include an electrical interface routing between a socketor a connection to another. For example, the interposer may connect anyof the one or more force sensing elements 105, the one or more strainsensing elements 105, the one or more environmental sensing elements,110 and/or the one or more motion sensing elements 115 to a hostcontroller 120.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 may include at least twosensing layers. Each sensing layer may include one or more force sensingelements which may provide dynamic force/pressure detection andmeasurement within each sensing layer. Each sensing layer may alsoinclude one or more strain sensing elements and one or moreenvironmental sensing elements.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 may include multiple forcesensing elements. Each force sensing element may be individuallycustomized for optimal dynamic force/pressure characteristics includingbut not limited to force/pressure range, rise time, fall time, etc. Eachforce sensing element may be assigned a specific location with respectto the activation switch, location on the activation switch , and/or aposition on a activation switch. Each force sensing element may beindividually customized to measure dynamic force/pressurecharacteristics based on the respective location within or on theactivation switch. The system may also include multiple strain sensingelements, which may provide dynamic bending/flexing detection. Thesystem 100may also include multiple environmental sensing elements whichmay provide dynamic environmental parameter measurement.

Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the system 100 may includemultiple motion sensing elements. Each motion sensing element may beindividually customized to detect optimal dynamic motioncharacteristics. Each motion sensing element may be assigned a specificlocation within or on the activation switch, location on the activationswitch, etc. Each motion sensing element may be individually customizedto measure motion characteristics based on the respective location withrespect to the activation switch.

In at least one embodiment, the host controller 120 may include amulti-model HMI controller. In at least one embodiment, the hostcontroller 120 may include a processor configured to executecomputational processing of dynamic force detection and measurement datafrom force sensing elements. The processor may use the dynamic forcedetection and measurement data, for example, to determine aforce/pressure map across some or all of an activation switch surface.The processor may also be configured to execute computational processingof dynamic strain detection and measurement data from strain sensingelements. The processor may use the dynamic strain detection andmeasurement data to determine activation switch flexing characteristics.The processor may also be configured to execute computational processingof dynamic environmental sensing data received from one or moreenvironmental sensing elements. The processor may also use theenvironmental sensing data to achieve dynamic environmental compensationof force sensing elements and the strain sensing elements. The processormay also be configured to execute computational processing of dynamicmotion sensing data received from one or more motion sensing elements.The processor may also use the motion sensing data to achieve dynamicmotion compensation of force sensing elements, the strain sensingelements and/or the environmental sensing elements. The host controllermay include circuitry configured to receive data from the sensingelements. The host controller may include a memory to store the data anda processor to execute operations.

The embedded host controller may be electronically connected to a clientdevice (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ) via a communication link 125. In atleast one embodiment, the sensor may be coupled to the client device viaa wired communication link. The communication link may provide any formof wired or wireless communication capability between the system and anyother device. In some embodiments, the communication link may include aradio frequency (RF) antenna. By way of example and not limitation, thecommunication link may be configured to provide, via wirelessmechanisms, LAN connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE), Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC connectivity, M2M connectivity,D2D connectivity, GSM connectivity, 3G connectivity, 4G connectivity,LTE connectivity, any other suitable communication capability, or anysuitable combination thereof. The power tool and/or the activationswitch may include any number of communication links. The communicationlink may provide various interface 155 functionality, such as anAndroid®/iOS® controller and display module, game engine visualization,various modes (e.g., walking and running modes), a Bluetooth Low EnergyInterface, etc.

In at least one embodiment, the host controller 120 (e.g., theprocessor) may scan the sensing elements (e.g., the force sensingelements 105, strain sensing elements 105, the environmental sensingelements 110, the motion sensing elements 115). The processor may scanthe sensing elements periodically. In at least one embodiment, theprocessor may use a variable scanning rate for at least some of thesensing elements, which may provide a benefit of optimal data resolutionand/or power consumption. For example, some areas of the activationswitch may move or be moved more frequently, or may experience a greaterrate of change in force or pressure as compared to other areas of theactivation switch. These areas may be scanned more frequently for higherdata resolution. Those areas with lesser rate of change in force orpressure may be scanned less frequently, which may reduce powerconsumption of the system.

The processor may perform various analyses based on data received fromthe sensing elements (and from any other sensors, as described herein).For example, the processor may generate a force and/or pressure map ofthe activation switch. The force and/or pressure map may be aninstantaneous snapshot of the current state of the activation switch.The force and/or pressure map may also include data over time and themap may represent average, median, or other values. The map may be usedto determine whether the power tool is being held correctly, whether thepower tool is being used correctly, etc. The map may be viewable as a“heat map” which may show force or pressure ranges in different colors.In at least one embodiment, the processor may send the sensor data toanother device (e.g., a server, a client device) for processing. Theprocessor may also send the sensor data to another portable or wearabledevice such as smartphone or smartwatch.

The system 100 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) 150 that maydisplay various information, such as a current force value, some or allof the force and/or pressure map, a current state of the activationswitch, a battery power level, an indicator of whether the power tool isbeing held correctly, etc.

The system may also include a power management device 130 which mayprovide and/or regulate power for the system.

The system may also include a haptic feedback unit 135 that may drivehaptic feedback to the system. For example, the embedded controller mayreceive sensor data from any of the sensors (e.g., the sensing array).Based on the sensor data, the embedded controller may generate and sendinstructions to the haptic feedback unit 135 to produce a hapticresponse via the system (e.g., as a haptic feedback via the activationswitch that the user may feel). The haptic may be provided via a hapticdevice via the activation switch that may be felt by the user. Examplehaptic feedback may include, but are not limited to, a press, a pulse, ashock, a release, all of which may be short, long, or repeated. Thehaptic feedback may be used to indicate various operation of the powertool. For example, a haptic emission may indicate to the user that theuser is holding the power tool correctly and operation of the power toolmay begin.

Systems and method described herein may be used in myriad applications,such as with any type of power tool.

FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement of an example multi-function powertool 200. In an illustrated example of a drilling mode, the power tool200 may include a smart switch/trigger 205 with an embedded forcesensing transducer to determine a finger force sensing input profile.The power tool 200 may also include a smart handle/grip 210 withembedded force sensing transducer(s) and/or inertial measurement unit todetermine correct usage, detect power tool drop detection and providesafety override in real-time. The power tool 200 may further include aforce sensing transducer 215 to determine a real-time drilling forceprofile as the power tool 200 is being used to drill a screw, forexample.

The power tool 200 may also include a graphical user interface (GUI)220. As illustrated, the GUI 220 includes one or more light emittingdiode (LED) displays to show real-time drilling parameters includingdrill speed. The example multi-function power tool may include some orall of the components of the system of FIG. 1 .

The power tool 200 may include sensing elements that may be configuredto measure force, strain, motion, movement, and other environmentalcharacteristics exerted by a person on the activation switch.

The activation switch may be formed from any material or combination ofmaterials. The material may include a porous material, foam material,plastic material, or any other natural or synthetic material. Theactivation switch may be attached to an interposer, such as by beingbonded (e.g., glued, welded, sewed, etc.) to the interposer. In at leastone embodiment, the activation switch may be formed from a resilientmaterial configured to withstand repeated impact with a hard surface(e.g., concrete).

The interposer may be connected to an external circuit board as part ofthe external host controller. The interposer may also include or be partof any type of circuit board. The circuit board may be formed from anymaterial. The circuit board may be rigid or flexible.

One or more sensing elements may be coupled to the interposer. The oneor more sensing elements may be referred to as a sensing array. The oneor more sensing elements may include one or more force sensing elements,one or more strain sensing elements, one or more motion sensingelements, and/or one or more environmental sensing elements. The one ormore strain sensing elements may include one or more two-dimensionalstrain sensing elements. The sensing elements may be spatiallydistributed on the interposer. One or more of the sensing elements maybe a discrete part that is coupled to the interposer. Alternatively, oneor more of the sensing elements may be directly formed, etched,deposited, or printed etc. onto the interposer. For example, a sensingelement may be printed on a flexible circuit board (i.e., flex).

The system may also include a controller, as further described inconjunction with FIG. 1 . The controller may include circuitryconfigured to receive data from the sensing elements. The controller mayinclude a memory to store the data and a processor to executeoperations. The controller may include a communication link.

The controller may perform various analyses based on data received fromthe sensing elements (and from any other sensors, as described herein).For example, the controller may generate a force, motion, and/orpressure map of inputs on the activation switch.

The system may include any number of sensors. The sensor may representany hardware or software sensor capable to detect any characteristic ofor near the activation switch (such as data indicative of motion orenvironment), including but not limited to an accelerometer, gyroscope,altimeter, global positioning system (GPS), pedometer, magnetometer, athermometer, a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a GPSreceiver, any other sensor that may detect motion, environmental, orhuman state, or any combination thereof. Any motion detected by thesensor may be referred to as a motion characteristic. The sensor maydetect various motion patterns that may be associated with a particularmovement of a human. The sensor may include any suitable system,apparatus, device, or routine capable of detecting or determining one ormore of the following: tilt, shake, rotation, swing, and any othermotion. In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect ordetermine a location of in the power tool. For example, the sensor mayinclude a GPS receiver, a Wi-Fi signal detector, a mobile phonecommunication network signal detector, a Bluetooth beacon detector, anInternet Protocol (IP) address detector or any other system, apparatus,device, or module that may detect or determine a location of the powertool. The location may include one or more labels or designations (e.g.,home, work, gym). In some embodiments, the sensor may be an integratedsensor that includes two or more different sensors integrated together.For example, the sensor may be an integrated sensor that combines athree-dimensional (3D) accelerometer, a 3D gyroscope, and a 3Dmagnetometer.

The power tool 200 may also include any number of activity trackers. Anactivity tracker may represent any hardware or software sensor or devicethat may be used to detect characteristics (or data indicative of thecharacteristics) of a tracked individual who is using the power tool,including but not limited to, a heart rate monitor, a blood pressuremonitor, thermometer, moisture sensor, respiration sensor, electrodermalactivity sensor, sleep sensor, etc. The activity tracker may be used toidentify characteristics of the individual who is using the power tool.In some embodiments, the heart rate monitor may be configured to measureor determine heart rate or indicators of heart rate. For example, theheart rate monitor may include one or more sensors (e.g., aphotoresistor or a photodiode or the like) configured to detect a pulse,a skin temperature, etc. of an individual.

In these or other embodiments, the activity tracker may include a heartrate monitor may include one or more systems, apparatuses, devices, ormodules configured to determine the heart rate based on the detectedindicators. In some embodiments, an occurrence in a life of theparticular tracked individual may include a heart rate of the particulartracked individual, a heart rate maintained by the particular trackedindividual for a particular amount of time, a heart rate recovery time,etc., which may be determined by the host controller (or by an externalcomputing device) based on data received from one or more heart ratemonitors or from other activity trackers or sensors.

The power tool 200 may also include any number of haptic feedbackdevices that may provide any type of haptic feedback to the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example computational processing flow 300 formulti-modal data acquisition, signal processing and/or control. Thesefunctions may be obtained by analysis of measurement data from forcesensing elements, dimensional strain sensing elements, motion sensingelements, and environmental sensing elements or other sensors oractivity trackers.

The processing flow 300 may be performed by processing logic that mayinclude hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such asis run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), ora combination of both, which processing logic may be included in thesystem 100 and/or power tool 200 of FIG. 1 or 2 , or another computersystem or device. However, another system, or combination of systems,may be used to perform the methods. For simplicity of explanation,methods described herein are depicted and described as a series of acts.However, acts in accordance with this disclosure may occur in variousorders and/or concurrently, and with other acts not presented anddescribed herein. Further, not all illustrated acts may be used toimplement the methods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciatethat the methods may alternatively be represented as a series ofinterrelated states via a state diagram or events. Additionally, themethods disclosed in this specification are capable of being stored onan article of manufacture, such as a non-transitory computer-readablemedium, to facilitate transporting and transferring such methods tocomputing devices. The term article of manufacture, as used herein, isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or storage media. Although illustrated asdiscrete blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks,combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desiredimplementation.

The method may begin at block 305 where the processing logic maydetermine that a drilling mode has been selected for the multi-functionpower tool.

At block 310, the processing logic may determine whether the power toolis oriented correctly for use. For example, the processing logic maydetermine whether a smart handle or activation switch is orientedcorrectly. In at least one embodiment, the processing logic may haveaccess to data indicative of a correct orientation of the power tool.The data may include a sensor data profile, such as a drilling forceprofile. For example, the processing logic may have data that indicatesvarious sensor readings that indicate correct usage and incorrect usage.“Correct” usage may indicate safety, or optimal usage. For example,correct usage of a paint sprayer may be when a suction tube ispositioned to draw paint from a reservoir. An incorrect usage may bewhen the paint sprayer is upside down, which may not allow paint to flowthrough the suction tube.

When the processing logic determines that the power tool is in a correctorientation (e.g., “YES” at block 310), the processing logic at block315 may scan for user activation of the activation switch and correctuser gripping of the smart handle. For example, the processing logic mayacquire an input force profile on the activation switch.

When the processing logic determines that the power tool is not in acorrect orientation (e.g., “NO” at block 310), the processing logic maycause multiple alarms to be generated at block 350. The alarms may be inthe form of a visual indicator, an audible indicator, and/or transmittedin real-time over a network to a remote device. At block 320, theprocessing logic may determine whether the power tool is grippedcorrectly by a user. For example, the processing logic may determinewhether a smart handle or activation switch is being gripped correctly.In at least one embodiment, the processing logic determine via one ormore sensors that the smart handle or activation switch is being grippedcorrectly. For example, the smart handle may include one or more forcesensors that correspond with where a user's fingers grip the smarthandle. When the processing logic receives data from the one or moreforce sensors that indicates proper gripping of the smart handle, theprocessing logic may determine that the power tool is gripped correctlyby the user. When the processing logic receives data (or receives nodata) from the one or more force sensors that indicates impropergripping of the smart handle, the processing logic may determine thatthe power tool is not gripped correctly by the user.

When the processing logic determines that the power tool is not grippedcorrectly by the user (“NO” at block 320), the processing logic may(e.g., a gripping force profile is incorrect or deemed to be unsafe),the processing logic may prevent the power tool from operating, causethe drilling motion to be stopped (e.g., at block 345), and/or causemultiple alarms to be generated (e.g., at block 350). The alarms may bein the form of a visual indicator, an audible indicator, and/ortransmitted in real-time over a network to a remote device.

When the processing logic determines that the power tool is grippedcorrectly by the user (“YES” at block 320), the processing logic maydetermine operating parameters for the power tool at block 325. Forexample, the processing logic may determine drilling parameters (e.g.,speed and direction) for a power drill. At block 330, the processinglogic may control and/or display motion parameters during operation ofthe power tool.

At block 335, the processing logic may acquire an operating profile,such as during operation of the power tool. The processing logic mayacquire the operating profile (or data that contributes to the operatingprofile) from any of the sensors or sensing elements described herein.The operating profile may include orientation, motion, speed, force,environment, etc. of the power tool. The operating profile may alsoinclude gripping characteristics of user on the power tool.

At block 340, the processing logic may determine, based on the operatingprofile, whether the power tool remains in a safe or operational range.For example, when a paint sprayer it tilted during operation to anorientation that does not easily permit paint to flow through thesuction tube, the processing logic may determine that the power tool isnot in a recommended operational range. In another example, when theprocessing logic determines that one or more fingers of a user are nolonger gripping the power tool, the processing logic may determine thatthe power tool may be unsafe to operate. When the power tool is not in asafe or operational range, the processing logic may either generate awarning and/or cause the power tool to stop operating.

The same or similar process flow may be applied when a nailing mode hasbeen selected on a power tool. In this mode, nailing may be performed ifthe nailing tool is correctly pressed against a solid wall. If the powertool is dropped, drop detection logic may automatically provideoperation “shut-down” to prevent potentially accidental triggering ofnailing operation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer system 400related to a multi-modal array, according to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The host controller described above may beimplemented as a computing system such as the example computer system400. The computer system 400 may be configured to implement one or moreoperations of the present disclosure.

The computer system 400 executes one or more sets of instructions 426that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodsdiscussed herein. The machine may operate in the capacity of a server ora client machine in client-server network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. Themachine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box(STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, a webappliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machinecapable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise)that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only asingle machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken toinclude any collection of machines that individually or jointly executethe sets of instructions 426 to perform any one or more of the methodsdiscussed herein.

The computer system 400 includes a processor 402, a main memory 404(e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM),etc.), a static memory 406 (e.g., flash memory, static random accessmemory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device 416, which communicatewith each other via a bus 408.

The processor 402 represents one or more general-purpose processingdevices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like.More particularly, the processor 402 may be a complex instruction setcomputing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing(RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor,or a processor implementing other instruction sets or processorsimplementing a combination of instruction sets. The processor 402 mayalso be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor,or the like. The processor 402 is configured to execute instructions forperforming the operations and steps discussed herein.

The computer system 400 may further include a network interface device422 that provides communication with other machines over a network 418,such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or theInternet. The network interface device 422 may include any number ofphysical or logical interfaces. The network interface device 422 mayinclude any device, system, component, or collection of componentsconfigured to allow or facilitate communication between networkcomponents in a network. For example, the network interface device 422may include, without limitation, a modem, a network card (wireless orwired), an infrared communication device, an optical communicationdevice, a wireless communication device (such as an antenna), and/orchipset (such as a Bluetooth device, an 802.xx device (e.g. MetropolitanArea Network (MAN)), a WiFi device, a WiMax device, cellularcommunication facilities, etc.), and/or the like. The network interfacedevice 422 may permit data to be exchanged with a network (such as acellular network, a WiFi network, a MAN, an optical network, etc., toname a few examples) and/or any other devices described in the presentdisclosure, including remote devices. In at least one embodiment, thenetwork interface device 422 may be logical distinctions on a singlephysical component, for example, multiple communication streams across asingle physical cable or optical signal.

The computer system 400 also may include a display device 410 (e.g., aliquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), analphanumeric input device 412 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 414 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 420 (e.g., aspeaker).

The data storage device 416 may include a computer-readable storagemedium 424 on which is stored the sets of instructions 426 embodying anyone or more of the methods or functions described herein. The sets ofinstructions 426 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 404 and/or within the processor 402 duringexecution thereof by the computer system 400, the main memory 404 andthe processor 402 also constituting computer-readable storage media. Thesets of instructions 426 may further be transmitted or received over thenetwork 418 via the network interface device 422.

While the example of the computer-readable storage medium 424 is shownas a single medium, the term “computer-readable storage medium” mayinclude a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that storethe sets of instructions 426. The term “computer-readable storagemedium” may include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding orcarrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and thatcause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of thepresent disclosure. The term “computer-readable storage medium” mayinclude, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, andmagnetic media.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the computersystem 400 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.For example, in at least one embodiment, the computer system 400 mayinclude any number of other components that may not be explicitlyillustrated or described.

As used in the present disclosure, the terms “module” or “component” mayrefer to specific hardware implementations configured to perform theactions of the module or component and/or software objects or softwareroutines that may be stored on and/or executed by general purposehardware (e.g., computer-readable media, processing devices, etc.) ofthe computing system. In at least one embodiment, the differentcomponents, modules, engines, and services described in the presentdisclosure may be implemented as objects or processes that execute onthe computing system (e.g., as separate threads). While some of thesystem and methods described in the present disclosure are generallydescribed as being implemented in software (stored on and/or executed bygeneral purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations or acombination of software and specific hardware implementations are alsopossible and contemplated. In the present disclosure, a “computingentity” may be any computing system as previously defined in the presentdisclosure, or any module or combination of modulates running on acomputing system.

Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appendedclaims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as“open” terms (e.g., the term “including” may be interpreted as“including, but not limited to,” the term “having” may be interpreted as“having at least,” the term “includes” may be interpreted as “includes,but is not limited to,” etc.).

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases may not beconstrued to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” may be interpreted to mean “at least one” or“one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation may be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g.,the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, meansat least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, inthose instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B,and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, Aand B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or morealternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, maybe understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of theterms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A orB” may be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “Aand B.”

All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosureare intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understandingthe invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furtheringthe art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to suchspecifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described in detail, various changes,substitutions, and alterations may be made hereto without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: obtaining data from asensor configured to monitor one or more physiological characteristicsof a user operating a power tool; analyzing a physiologicalcharacteristic of the user using the data; and in response to theanalysis of the physiological characteristic, directing an adjustment ofan operating parameter of the power tool operated by the user.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the physiological characteristic of the userincludes a heart rate of the user.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein thephysiological characteristic of the user includes a heart rate recoverytime of the user.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the physiologicalcharacteristic of the user includes respiration of the user.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein adjusting an operating parameter of the powertool operated by the user includes generating a haptic feedback signal.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes the sensorconfigured to monitor the one or more physiological characteristics ofthe user.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining aforce profile applied to an activation switch of the power tool; andactivating operation of the power tool in response to the force profilesatisfying an activation force associated with a selected profile of theuser of a plurality of profiles associated with the power tool, whereinat least two of the plurality of profiles include different activationforces and adjusting an operating parameter of the power tool operatedby the user includes deactivating operation of the power tool.
 8. One ormore computer-readable media configured to store instructions, theinstructions causing or directing one or more devices and/or systems toperform operations, the operations comprising: obtaining data from asensor configured to monitor one or more physiological characteristicsof a user operating a power tool; analyzing a physiologicalcharacteristic of the user using the data; and in response to theanalysis of the physiological characteristic, directing an adjustment ofan operating parameter of the power tool operated by the user.
 9. Thecomputer-readable media of claim 8, wherein the physiologicalcharacteristic of the user includes a heart rate of the user.
 10. Thecomputer-readable media of claim 9 , wherein the physiologicalcharacteristic of the user includes a heart rate recovery time of theuser.
 11. The computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein thephysiological characteristic of the user includes respiration of theuser.
 12. The computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein adjusting anoperating parameter of the power tool operated by the user includesgenerating a haptic feedback signal.
 13. The computer-readable media ofclaim 8, wherein the power tool includes the sensor configured tomonitor the one or more physiological characteristics of the user. 14.The computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein the operations furthercomprise: determining a force profile applied to an activation switch ofthe power tool; and activating operation of the power tool in responseto the force profile satisfying an activation force associated with aselected profile of the user of a plurality of profiles associated withthe power tool, wherein at least two of the plurality of profilesinclude different activation forces and adjusting an operating parameterof the power tool operated by the user includes deactivating operationof the power tool.
 15. A power tool comprising: one or morecomputer-readable media configured to store instructions; one or moreprocessors coupled to the computer-readable media and configured toexecute the instructions to cause the power tool to perform operations,the operations comprising: obtaining data from a sensor configured tomonitor one or more physiological characteristics of a user operating apower tool; analyzing a physiological characteristic of the user usingthe data; and in response to the analysis of the physiologicalcharacteristic, directing an adjustment of an operating parameter of thepower tool operated by the user.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thephysiological characteristic of the user includes a heart rate of theuser.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the physiologicalcharacteristic of the user includes a heart rate recovery time of theuser.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the physiologicalcharacteristic of the user includes respiration of the user.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, wherein adjusting an operating parameter of thepower tool operated by the user includes generating a haptic feedbacksignal.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the power tool includes thesensor configured to monitor the one or more physiologicalcharacteristics of the user.